The NFL made it official this afternoon, suspending Ravens star running back Ray Rice for two games and fining him an additional game check for conduct detrimental to the league, in violation of its personal-conduct policy.

The suspension, which stems from Rice's domestic violence incident with his then-fiancee Janay Palmer, whom he later married, will cost Rice approximately $529,411 this year. That includes two games without pay from his $4 million base salary for this year as well as $58,823 from his $1 million base salary from last year since the incident occurred during the 2013 league year.

The suspension begins on Aug. 30 and Rice is eligible for reinstatement on Sept. 12 following the Ravens' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote Rice a letter, which has been released by the league, in which Goodell states that the three-time Pro Bowl running back's conduct was incompatible with NFL policies and warranted disciplinary action.

Here's the text of the letter:

“As you acknowledged during our meeting, your conduct was unquestionably inconsistent with league polices and the standard of behavior required of everyone who is part of the NFL. The league is an entity that depends on integrity and in the confidence of the public and we simply cannot tolerate conduct that endangers others or reflects negatively on our game. This is particularly true with respect to domestic violence and other forms of violence against women.

“You will be expected to continue to take advantage of the counseling and other professional services you identified during our meeting. As you noted, this additional assistance has been of significant benefit to you and your wife, and it should remain a part of your practice as appropriate.

“I believe that you are sincere in your desire to learn from this matter and move forward toward a healthy relationship and successful career. I am now focused on your actions and expect you to demonstrate by those actions that you are prepared to fulfill those expectations.”

The Ravens apparently will be without top running back Ray Rice for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and their Thursday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, but the reported two-game suspension Rice received from the NFL for his domestic assault incident is...